Are you getting enough B vitamins? If not, then to stay healthy, you have to make sure that you do. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body needs for processes such as making DNA and red blood cells, energy production and central nervous system function.

Because the ability to absorb B12 from food decreases with age, deficiency is more common in older adults. However, this does not mean that children and young people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, cannot be deficient in B12.

Unfortunately, B12 deficiency is often overlooked and misdiagnosed. Often, this is because of an insufficient test or because the symptoms are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.

So today we are telling you about some such symptoms which are visible in the body. Nutritionist and certified Ayurvedic doctor Sonam is giving us these tips. She has shared these tips with the fans through his Instagram post.

Dr.Sonam says, 'Even though the vitamin is found in many foods, B12 deficiency is relatively common. Low B12 symptoms can vary from physical to psychological. Many of the symptoms caused by low B12 levels are not specific to B12 deficiency, making the condition undiagnosed.

Infertility

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes problems in women getting pregnant. However, it is usually reversible with treatment. In addition, if you are deficient in vitamin B12, it is important to make sure you are meeting your needs for other B complex vitamins, including vitamin B6 and folate.

Hypothyroidism

A high (about 40%) prevalence of B12 deficiency is seen in hypothyroid patients. Vitamins and nutrients can help fight the underlying causes of thyroid disorders, such as autoimmune processes and inflammation, and help correct an underactive thyroid.

Depression

B12 is essential for the proper functioning of your central nervous system and a deficiency in this nutrient can affect your mental health. This can lead to distressing neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia and delirium.

Low levels of B12 can lead to increased levels of a sulfur-containing amino acid called homocysteine. In turn, this may contribute to the development of depression by increasing oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell death in the body.

Low energy

If you are deficient in B12, you may feel fatigued with megaloblastic anaemia. Inadequate B12 levels can reduce normal red blood cell production, which can interfere with carrying oxygen around the body.

Burning or stinging

Due to the deficiency of this vitamin, some parts of the body feel like pricking needles in the hands and feet. The symptoms occur because the vitamin plays an important role in the nervous system and its absence can lead to nerve conduction problems or nerve damage in people. In the nervous system, vitamin B-12 helps produce a substance called myelin. Myelin is a protective layer that shields nerves and helps them transmit sensations.

People who are deficient in vitamin B-12 cannot produce enough myelin to coat their nerves. Without this coating, nerves can be damaged. The problem is more in the nerves of the hands and feet, which are called peripheral nerves.

Mental impairment

B12 deficiency harms the nervous system and low B12 levels can lead to difficulty concentrating and mental impairment, which can make it difficult to complete tasks.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to undergo the right tests and get the right treatment. Since your body doesn't make vitamin B12, you must get it from plant-based foods or supplements. And you should do this regularly.

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